Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-04-07

the war between the States commenced his
rank and his reputation gave him the right
to believe and expect al that would be given
in the army of the United States.
CHAMPIoNING THE CoNFEDERACY.
But true to the chivalric nature Of which 1
have spoken, and seeing few States assert
ing their rights to q form OF government rest
ing on the consent of the governed and the
attempt of the majority TO deprive them of
that right, he sacrificed all he had gained in
the United States army and travelled across
the trackless desert to offsr his services to the
minority struggling for their rights. None
who knew sydney Johnston could imagine him
ignorant of the fact this smaller body of
men without arms, without navy, without
workshops. without material of war, would
have TO contend against terrible odds. On
the field of Shiloh he made but one mistake.
He had planned that battle and sent me
telegram (Which was lost which described it
just as it was fought. The only battle in the
worlds history that was Fought as the Gene
raj expected.
THE FATAL MISTAKE.
The mistake he made was in allowing some
body else to direct the order of march so that
the army did not get to the field of battle as
soon as they should have arrived there. John
ston was one day later in striking the enemy,
but he struck when he could, and the field
was carried from point to point. At one po-
stion held by the enemy an obstinate
resistance was offered. and now
give my own theory, in which
edge of the man and what he would do under
the circumstances, when he saw stubborn
resistance and rode forward to direct opera
tIons him self, receiving then fatal wound.
EVERY INCH A HERO.
l fully believe that if he had been told YOU
can keep your saddle fifteen minutes and
consumm ate this victory, but If you do 1t is
at the risk of your life, be would have said |:
"Tll take the chances" THUS it wa he re-
mained in the saddle untfl it was too late to
q m n rp1Ipf Whnn ha fall of
the mighty pillars that supported the temple
of the Confederacy ana gave us reason
to believe that we would win our fight in
as brother honored him a.
a man; / admired him Rs hero; but more
than all this felt sore loss to the just cause
which was inflicted when Johnston died. My
friends, have already SAID enough. You all
know that Johnston led an army which was
composed of material rapidly thrown to-
gether. One corps, commanded by that gal
liant and true soldier. Gen. Bragg, was the
only one which had the advantage of thorough
discipline.
VICTORY IN HIS GRASP.
You who followed Johnston through battle
saw how he had gone forward step by step
until at last he was snatched Dy death from
the very arms of victory, almost completed
by his genius and your Vaior-the valor of
the Army of Tennessee-which, whether in
advance or retreat, received no stain to trans
NIT to future generations.
Mr.. Davis continued at some further
length.
When he had concluded the benediction
was pronounced by Bishop j. N. Gale
her, who was on Gen. BlcKner's staff.
Gen. John Glynn, Jr., was grand mar
shall of the day.
The floral decorations were numerous 6
and elaborate.
CLEvELAND'sa LETTER.
In reply 10 an Invitation to be present
at the unveiling, President Cleveland
sent the following:
EXECUTIVE MANSION. !
WASHINGTON. April !, 1887.
Walter II. Rogers, Esq, President, Etc.
MY DEAR SIR: l acknowledge with thanks
an invitation extended to me by the Associa-
tion of the Army of Tennessee TO attend
of Gen. Albert sydney Johnston on
April 6, at Metaire cemetery. |
regret that owing to engrossing official
duties which demand my attention
cannot be present on that occasion. That
Gen. Johnston was great soldier, and that
from the time he left West Point to the hour
of his death on the field OF Shiloh, hs W as CON
spicuous for valor, for military celebrity, and
for the highest personal character must be
fully conceded by all his countrymen. The
erection of a monument for the perpetuatlop
OF his name is fitting testimony to the affec-
tion and respect in Which he is held by his
comrades of the civil war. and may well be to
them work of greatest interest and satisfac-
ton. The pa rlotlc sentiments accompany
ing the invitation which l have re-
oeived, and the fraternal feeling therein
expressed. gladly recognize as proofs that in
the present conditions every American citi-
zen may share in the pride inspired by the
Illustration OF traits whlch have ennobled
American character. With my best wishes
for the success and prosperity OF your society,
GROVER CLEVELAND.